​Oblivious Nerd Girl

There was magic in the air on Saturday, October 8th. I wore two hats at FPAC this year. One was as a member of the This Filipino American Life family. We conducted interviews with several artists who performed at the festival as well as interviews with long time supporters of FPAC. The biggest thing that happened was we got to talk to Deedee Magno Hall.

This is the smile of someone who cannot believe they are taking a picture with someone they grew up watching on tv and listening to on cassette single. As a kid the Disney Channel was a premium channel and I can recall taping The Mickey Mouse Club the week we would have the channel. Why? Because of Deedee! She was young, Filipino, and acting and singing on tv. I completely fangirled on her and told her how I saw her at mall performance years ago when she toured with The Party. Deedee is also the voice of Pearl on Steven Universe, a show that I absolutely adore and makes me cry on the regular. I can't wait to share that interview with folks. It can be an audio commentary to this post.

The other big thing that happened at FPAC was that we started our short flags documentary journey. Folks from Oxnard and the South Bay came out to our short flags meet up and shared their stories with us. Many thanks to Eseel, Kirby, and Ana for holding it down.

FPAC is a time for reunions. You tend to run into friends and family at FPAC. It's what I love about the festival. At one point during the tinikling battle something magical happened. As the familiar strings of the rondalla played a group of us began to sway balance and dance tinikling with imaginary tinikling sticks. There was no pause in the moment, we all knew the moves, and for that short moment in time we weren't TFAL or short flags documentarians, we were Filipino Americans making a memory.

And then there was this moment. When Paul made Mike and I tear up. Catching up with this former Sessions LA student and hearing him tell Mike that Sessions saved his life was a poignant way to end the day. Thank you to everyone who shared their FPAC day with me, TFAL, and short flags.

Rest In Power - Guru Danny

Guru Danny was a Master kulintang musician and artist. He was the subject of The Cotabato Sessions, a documentary film by Joel Quizon and Susie Ibarra. We were lucky to get a picture with him when he performed at FPAC in 2014.

From The Cotabato Sessions: It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Master Danny Kalanduyan. Per sources close to him, Danny suffered a stroke at Stanford University Hospital September 27, 2016, where he had been admitted for a cardiac procedure.

Rest In Peace, Danny. We are so honored and proud to have shared a little bit of your art and story.

Our deep condolences goes out to his family, his friends, his many students that he has mentored through the years and all of those fortunate enough to have heared and seen him perform. We have lost a legend, a true master of his craft.
In memory of the life and legacy of Danny Kalanduyan.
We would like to share our film online for the first time.
Thank you to all of you who helped to support making this film possible.

We have lost a great artist among us.
We will never forget you, Danny and we will forever be grateful for sharing your passion, your art, your home, and your love with us. Your voice is the first thing we hear on this film and its your message of how music is shared and handed down generation after generation linking us to our past and our roots that will forever linger in our hearts. We will continue to keep the music always in the present.
From Susie Ibarra and Joel Quizon

Welcome to August. The month where I apparently decide to take on several projects to be involved in like a crazy woman. It's going to be a fun month!

Wednesday, August 10th is going to be an awesome day! It not only is Daniel Dae Kim's birthday, it is also M. Night Shyamalan's birthday as well. It is also the date for the Comedy Comedy kick off for the Comedy Comedy Festival! Join us at Seoul Sausage for some birthday party good times. There will be cake, food, and drinks! RSVP here: AUG 10 Festival Launch Party+Daniel Dae Kim & M. Night Shyamalan Birthday Party

In order to get you hyped for some birthday cake, why not participate in American Idle: A Space Out Competition. The deadline is today! You think you can space out for 90 minutes for a cash prize? You know who thinks you can't? This person:

August also happens to be our anniversary month! That's right. Mike and I got married in August and we want to celebrate with our family and friends at Disco Manila. Both of our parents are fans of disco. Pops Oblivious would share stories about his time in the Philippines, dancing the night away to VST. I'm quite excited for this show. It's going to be an awesome time. Plus it's a part of Grand Performances. I love this series. It isn't a summer in Los Angeles without a concert in California Plaza!